This video shows why the majority of National Hockey League players wear visors. Warning: This video is graphic in nature.

Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green set up for a shot during a power play opportunity in Saturday’s game and fired the puck towards the net. Tampa Bay Lightning center Nate Thompson had no chance to get out of the way and you can see the results after he was struck.

Defenseman Mike Green signed a three-year extension worth $18.25 million with the Washington Capitals. (Paul Bereswill/NHL/Getty Images)

The Washington Capitals signed restricted free agent defenseman Mike Green to a three-year extension Monday that will pay him up to $18.25 million, the team announced.

“We are pleased to re-sign Mike Green to a new contract,” general manager George McPhee said. “Mike is one of the best young defensemen in the National Hockey League and is just entering his prime. He will continue to be a key part of our team moving forward.”

Green will make $6 million in the first two seasons of the deal and then $6.25 million in the final season of the contract.

Green only played in 32 games last season, scoring three goals and dishing out four assists.  He missed 47 regular-season games due to injury, but had two goals and two assists and a plus-5 rating in 14 postseason games.  Green has played a full 82 game schedule just once in his career.

Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green has been suspended three games by the NHL for an illegal hit to the head, the league announced Friday.

Green’s forearm made contact with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brett Connolly’s head in Thursday night’s game.

Green was not available for comment.

Washington Capitals All-Star defenseman Mike Green returned to practice today for the first time since straining his groin Nov. 11, according to the Washington Post.

“I think I’m going to have to be cognizant of this for the rest of my career, probably,” Green told the Post. “It’s something you’ve got to take care of, especially with hockey it’s such a common thing. It’s just maintenance right now, making sure I’m on top of my stuff and getting better. I don’t think I’ll be 100 percent for a long time, I’ve just got to get to that stage where I can play.”

There still is no timetable for Green’s return.

When Green last played the Washington Capitals were off to a strong 8-0 start. Since then, however, the club has gone 9-14 and has seen their head coach replaced. In eight games this season Green had three goals and three assists for six points.

Green, 26, played in just 49 games last year due to injury. In 2009-10 when he played in 75 games, he was one of the most productive defensemen in the league, tallying 19 goals and 57 assists for the Capitals.